Computer graphics hardware and software is used to create a new set of tools for selecting a household paint color. Important surface reflection effects, such as gloss and pearlescence, are rendered in real time using pixel shading hardware. Unlike traditional paint chips, this feature permits colors to be evaluated on three dimensional shapes and in different surface finishes. A novel set of color navigation tools is provided to allow the user to visualize the color collection supplied by the manufacturer, to select subsets of the collection for consideration, and to match or modify an existing color sample. This interface is easier to use and less expensive to produce than the fan deck found in most paint stores. The pictures produced by the software are displayed on a four panel video wall. The large size of the wall allows the user to evaluate the appearance of the color at a scale similar to its final dimension once it has been applied to a surface.